Good morning, Chennai!
🌦️ Today’s weather: A little cloudy with the possibility of some rain.
🧐 Did you know? Coffee made its way to Chennai in the early 1900s. It became a cultural marker and a symbol of modernity distinguished from tea which was seen as the beverage of the working class.
🚆 AC coaches in suburban trains?
The Chennai Metro will study the feasibility of suburban trains having AC coaches.
What’s it about? The CMRL will conduct a feasibility study to see if AC coaches can be introduced in suburban trains on the Beach-Tambaram-Chengalpet route. Part of the study will include patronage and fares. The Railways wants to improve its suburban services in the city. Based on the report, the state government will confer with the railways to buy the coaches.
- The proposed route has the highest number of commuters. Also, the railways have previously informed the railway board about the demand for AC coaches on the route.
- Most of the passengers on this route are IT professionals, employees in manufacturing companies, and students from professional colleges. They are open to paying more for AC coaches.
Who said what: Pandia Raja from the zonal rail users consultative committee said passengers on the specified route prefer comfort and speed. He said there’s likely to be high numbers in the morning and evening peak hours. For example, around 300 disembark from each train in the morning at Paranur with buses ready. These passengers could switch to AC trains.
🏞️ Increased visitor cap at Eco Park
More people can now visit the Adyar Eco Park as the cap has been increased for each session.
What’s it about? The number of visitors to the Tholkappia Poonga (Adyar Eco Park) has increased from 60 to 100 for each session. There are four sessions – 6:30 – 8 am and 4:30 – 6 pm, a guided tour from 2.30 – 4 pm, and educational tours from 9.30 am – 12.30 pm.
- Through the Chennai Rivers Restoration Trust, the state government renovated 58 acres of the Adyar Estuary area to create the park in 2011.
- Since it’s considered an ecologically sensitive area, entry was restricted. The park was opened this May, and now more visitors can enter.
🚇 Metro to have more connectivity options
Metro will have more connectivity options near educational institutions and IT companies.
What’s it about: The Chennai Metro wants IT professionals and students to use the service. It plans to add first and last-mile connectivity options like minibuses and buses to and from other locations to the nearest station. While thousands of students and IT professionals already use the Metro, the CMRL wants to increase that number.
- The MTC already runs minibuses in some stations, including Government Estate, Guindy, and Little Mount. However, commuters aren’t happy with the lack of last-mile connectivity.
- When the Metro previously introduced minibuses, passenger numbers increased. Currently, on weekdays, 2.15 – 2.20 lakh people use the Metro.
What’s necessary: One commuter who regularly uses the Metro said all stations should have uniform last-mile connectivity. Years ago, share cars were operating in several stations, but that service doesn’t seem to be present now.
🚌 More MTC buses are on the way
The state government has floated tenders for more new buses, some of which will be added to the MTC fleet.
What’s happening: The state transport department is looking to buy more than 1,700 new buses with 402 of them for the MTC. It’s the second batch of tenders floated by the Institute of Road Transport on behalf of the MTC. The earlier tender was for 242 new buses.
- The interior of these new buses will be the same as the MTC’s old Volvo buses. The last few rows of seats will be on a slightly raised platform to accommodate the rear engine.
- The 402 new buses will be the conventional low-floor buses. The floor height will be 900mm. It’ll have only two footsteps instead of three, making it easier for passengers to enter and exit.
Accessibility: The buses will be non-AC, but disabled-friendly and comply with existing government norms. Previously, the High Court issued a directive against a past attempt to buy buses with steep steps.
📊 Today’s Poll
(Only subscribers can participate in the polls)
What’s your morning/evening beverage of choice?
- I prefer tea.
- I prefer coffee.
❓ Today’s Question
(Only subscribers can submit their answers)
What’s your favourite clothing brand?
Reply to this email with your answers.
🗞️ In other news…
- If you’re a chai lover, here’s the history of Irani tea stalls in Chennai.
- The Corporation may waive rent for commercial establishments operating from its buildings during the lockdown.
- As the second phase of the Metro construction continues, part of the Mandaveli bus stand will be taken over by CMRL.
- Just a week after its inauguration, the Nungambakkam skywalk is now encroached on by hawkers.
- The Pachaimalai hills are under threat due to miscreants cutting trees on its foothills.
🛋️ Local Lounge
Yesterday’s Poll:
- I stick to the restaurants/cafes I’ve been to frequently: 50.0% 🏆
- I like to experiment, so I try new restaurants/cafes: 50.0% 🏆
That’s it for today. Have a great day!